Harmony Day 21 st March celebrates Australias cultural

Harmony Day, 21 st March, celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Why Do We Celebrate Harmony Day? Harmony Day is a time for all Australians to remember and respect our diverse cultural backgrounds and to share what we have in common.

What Is Harmony Day About? The central message of Harmony Day is that ‘everyone belongs’, this helps to remind us that it is important.

When Is Harmony Day? • Harmony Day is celebrated on 21 st March. • The first Harmony Day was in 1999. • Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

What Is Discrimination? Discrimination is the unfair treatment of people or groups of people based on their culture, religion, beliefs, appearance, age or sex. Harmony Day is held to celebrate everyone’s differences, raise our awareness of ways to respect everyone and avoid discrimination.

What Can You Do? Interview someone from a different country and create a poster or oral report to present to your class. Research and learn a game or sport from another country. Teach your friends how to play. Hold a World of Food lunch or expo, or cook and eat different foods from around the world.

More You Can Do Create arts and crafts from around the world. Listen to different styles of music from different cultures. Invite an indigenous elder from your local community to come into your class and tell stories.

Fast Facts • Around 45% of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was. • Apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Italian, Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Vietnamese, Tagalog/Filipino, Spanish and Hindi. • More than 60 indigenous languages are spoken in Australia.

What Do You Think? Discuss your answers with a partner: What do you think are the benefits of living in a multicultural society? What everyday actions can you do to encourage respect, understanding and acceptance? What is your cultural background? Were you, your parents or grandparents born overseas?